§ Baroness Ludfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What protection exists under existing legislation against incitement to hatred or discrimination towards particular groups, such as women or homosexuals; under the inspiration of religious thinking. [HL1236]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)The Government recognise that there are a number of groups which may be seen to be vulnerable to attack or vilification. It is already the case that the courts will consider a premeditated attack on a person because, for example, of their gender or sexual orientation as an aggravated offence meriting a more serious sentence.
In the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Disorder Act we sought to deal with the specific areas of race and religion because those areas presented a particular problem which needed to be addressed and which apply equally to all members of society. It is not the role of government to take a position on the rites, beliefs or practices of any particular religious faith other than where these give rise to conflict with common or criminal law.
We have recently published a consultation document containing proposals for taking forward the implementation of the EC Article 13 Race and Employment Directives. The proposals include introducing new legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, age and sexual orientation in the areas of employment, occupation and training.